Encantos - Stories with purpose inspired by culture

Canticos Read & Sing Along Vol. 3

Practice reading and singing along to your Canticos favorites in English and Spanish!

Volume 3:

Download Activity Sheet:

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Ask a Bilingual Expert

Raising a bilingual child? On this page, our very own Director of Learning Design and Efficacy, Sophia Espinoza, addresses some of the most common questions, concerns, and curiosities around the benefits of bilingualism. Get the scoop below!

Benefits of Bilingualism (FAQs):

Any advice on managing two Spanish dialects in the household? Does this cause confusion for kids?

Now that our world is more interconnected than ever, there are plenty of families where each parent could be from a different country in Latin America, with distinctive dialects, vocabulary, slang, and culture. And that’s totally ok for kids to be exposed to. Their perspectives are broadened and they learn to communicate cross-culturally, it’s a thing to be celebrated. Sometimes kids may switch vocabulary when talking to different parents, which is absolutely fine. They’re not confused, if anything this shows their flexibility. They could have as many as five words for one item, three in Spanish two in English, giving them a stronger sense of language in general.

What do you recommend if I’m not completely fluent and my child’s school doesn’t have an immersion class?

I always encourage as much Spanish exposure as possible. Don’t worry about immersion classes availability or not being completely fluent as a parent. Use the Spanish you know, even if you may need to speak Spanglish. Try to find ways to fill the gaps in your language knowledge, through apps, books, and music. The Canticos Bilingual Preschool App is a great option for all parents whether for English speaking parents who want more Spanish reinforcement at home, or households with some Spanish and some English, or Spanish speaking households, it’s great for all these environments.

Do you recommend teaching different subjects in different languages? For example, the solar system in English and the days of the week in Spanish?

Parents who live in an English-speaking country need to remember that children are always going to learn English; Their world is in English, their peers speak English. It’s important to give kids as much education as possible in the home in Spanish. They will inevitably learn English, and it will be even better if they learn their native language first. A strong foundation in Spanish will help kids gain a stronger mastery of English.

We speak Spanish and English in our home but my child almost always answers or talks back in English. How can I encourage her to respond and speak more in Spanish?

Ask your child in a very low-pressure way to try again in Spanish. Instead of saying “no, say it again in Spanish,” frame it like a question. Maintain consistency and continue speaking your native language to your child, if you stop, they will see that as a signal that they can too.

Should I set aside time or create activities for each language or is it okay to mix them both together?

It’s very important to provide authentic opportunities for children to speak both languages. Let them pursue what they love which will in turn allow them to joyfully explore their new language. The Canticos App is the perfect place to access tons of bilingual books and songs that children can choose to listen to whenever they want.